Heat exchange ventilation device

Abstract

This heat exchange ventilation device (1) comprises: an outer tube (10) having a first open part (11) positioned on an indoor (IS) side, a second open part (12) positioned on an outdoor (OS) side, and an internal space (15); a heat exchange element (20) including a housing (21) and a heat exchange part (22); an airflow generation part (30) for generating an airflow; and a space part (40) positioned, in the internal space, in the vicinity of a side wall part (213) of the housing.

Description

Heat exchange ventilation system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchange ventilation device.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a ventilation unit using a heat storage element made of a porous material is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-113463

[0004] There is a demand for further improvement in the heat exchange efficiency of heat exchange ventilation devices that perform ventilation and heat exchange.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a heat exchange ventilation device in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: (i) an outer pipe having a first open portion located on the indoor side, a second open portion located on the outdoor side, and an internal space extending between the first open portion and the second open portion; (ii) a heat exchange element including a housing arranged in the internal space and having a first opening opening to the indoor side, a second opening opening to the outdoor side, and a side wall portion extending from the first opening toward the second opening, and a heat exchange portion that exchanges heat with the air flow passing through the housing; (iii) an airflow generating portion that generates an airflow in the internal space; and (iv) a space portion located in the internal space near the side wall portion.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, heat exchange efficiency can be easily improved.

[0007] 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat exchange ventilator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a space and heat exchange of a heat exchange ventilator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a ventilation system including a heat exchange ventilator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to Example 1. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow V-V line in FIG. 4. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a humidity control material. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a heat exchange section. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow IX-IX line in FIG. 8. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a heat exchange element of a heat exchange ventilator according to Example 2. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of Example 2. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of Example 2. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XVI-XVI line in FIG. 15. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of Example 3. 23. A cross-sectional view taken along the arrows at line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17. A flowchart showing an example of ventilation operation processing of a heat exchanger ventilator in another example of Example 3. A flowchart showing an example of ventilation operation processing of a heat exchanger ventilator in another example of Example 3. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger ventilator in another example of Example 4. A cross-sectional view taken along the arrows at line XXII-XXII in FIG. 21. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger ventilator in another example of Example 5. A cross-sectional view taken along the arrows at line XXIV-XXIV in FIG. 23. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger ventilator in another example of Example 5 ...6. A graph showing an example of wind speed distribution characteristics of a fan capable of switching the blowing direction. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger ventilator in an example. A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger ventilator in an example.

[0008] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is intended to provide a better understanding of the gist of the invention and does not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise specified. For the sake of convenience, the drawings referred to in the following description show only the main components necessary for explaining the embodiment in a simplified form, and illustrations and descriptions of well-known technical matters are omitted as appropriate.

[0009] In this embodiment, a heat exchange ventilator installed in, for example, a building will be described. Examples of buildings include residences, stores, offices, facilities, etc. The heat exchange ventilator in an embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed in various buildings, and may also be installed in, for example, a passenger cabin of a vehicle (such as a car, passenger plane, cruise ship, or train), and can be applied to various situations requiring ventilation. The heat exchange ventilator in an embodiment of the present disclosure may be used for indoor and outdoor ventilation, or may be used for indoor and outdoor ventilation.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a heat exchange ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 1, for clarity of illustration and explanation, each component included in the heat exchange ventilation device is shown separated.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, a heat exchange ventilator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outer pipe 10, a heat exchange element 20, an airflow generating unit 30, and a space 40. For convenience of illustration, the space 40 is schematically illustrated by a dotted circle in Fig. 1. The space 40 is in communication with the indoor space IS, allowing the first gas G1 to reach the space 40. The space 40 will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2.

[0012] The outer pipe 10 has a first open section 11 located on the indoor side, a second open section 12 located on the outdoor side, and an internal space 15 extending between the first open section 11 and the second open section 12.

[0013] In this specification, the indoor space may be simply referred to as the indoor space IS, and the outdoor space may be simply referred to as the outdoor space OS. The air in the indoor space IS is referred to as the first gas G1, and the air in the outdoor space OS is referred to as the second gas G2. Typically, the indoor space IS is more comfortable for people than the outdoor space OS, and the environment of the indoor space IS may be controlled, for example, by an air conditioning device. In the following description, we will assume a situation in which heat exchange ventilation is required to maintain the environment of the indoor space IS (in other words, to maintain the state of the first gas G1 as much as possible). Note that the indoor space IS and the outdoor space OS can also be referred to as indoors and outdoors, respectively.

[0014] In the following description, the height direction (vertical direction) of the wall W is defined as the Z-axis direction, and the XY-axis directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction are defined. For ease of explanation, the direction from the outdoor area OS toward the indoor area IS is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. The XYZ-axis directions will also be defined in the following description in this specification. For reference, an XYZ-axis coordinate system is illustrated in each figure. If the direction in which the flow path of the airflow passing through the heat exchange element 20 extends is defined as a first direction, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the first direction is along the X-axis direction.

[0015] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , a wall W of a building has a through-hole TH that connects the indoor space IS and the outdoor space OS. The wall W may have, for example, an inner wall IW, an outer wall OW, and an intra-wall space (not shown) located therebetween. Typically, the intra-wall space may contain insulation. The through-hole TH may be, for example, circular and extend along the X-axis direction. The outer pipe 10 may be, for example, a straight pipe (circular pipe) with a circular cross-section. The outer pipe 10 may be inserted into and fixed in the through-hole TH. The heat exchange ventilator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a so-called ductless structure in which neither the first open portion 11 nor the second open portion 12 of the outer pipe 10 is connected to a duct. In the heat exchange ventilator 1, the first open portion 11 may be ductless, while the second open portion 12 may be connected to a duct. 1, the first open section 11 is located in the room IS and the second open section 12 is located in the outdoor OS, but the first open section 11 or the second open section 12 may be located in the through hole TH. The outer pipe 10 may be formed, for example, by combining a plurality of tubular members.

[0016] The heat exchange element 20 is disposed within the internal space 15 of the outer tube 10. The heat exchange element 20 includes a housing 21 and a heat exchange section 22 that exchanges heat with the airflow passing through the housing 21. The housing 21 has a first opening 211 that opens to the indoor (IS) side, a second opening 212 that opens to the outdoor (OS) side, and a sidewall section 213 that extends from the first opening 211 toward the second opening 212. The heat exchange element 20 may have a porous structure. The heat exchange element 20 may be, for example, a ceramic honeycomb. In this case, the housing 21 has a structure in which multiple airflow channels are provided therein. The multiple airflow channels may form the heat exchange section 22, and heat exchange occurs between the structure that forms the airflow channel and the airflow passing through the airflow channel, for example.

[0017] The heat exchange unit 22 may have a humidity control function, in which case latent heat exchange occurs in addition to sensible heat exchange in the heat exchange unit 22. The heat exchange unit 22 may contain, for example, a humidity control material, or may have a moisture absorption function based on the material (ceramic, etc.) of the base material constituting the heat exchange unit 22. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat exchange element 20 may be a heat exchange element or a total heat exchange element. The heat exchange ventilator 1 may be a total heat exchange ventilator.

[0018] The airflow generating unit 30 generates an airflow in the internal space 15 of the outer tube 10. Generally, a heat exchange ventilator can efficiently exchange heat by switching the airflow direction over time. In the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the airflow generating unit 30 may be a fan capable of switching the airflow direction (e.g., a reversible flow fan). The heat exchange ventilator 1 may be configured such that the airflow direction is switched at predetermined intervals by switching the airflow direction of the airflow generating unit 30 at predetermined intervals.

[0019] In this specification, the second gas G2 introduced from the outdoor OS into the heat exchange ventilator 1 (heat exchange element 20) is referred to as outside air OA, and the air that passes through the heat exchange element 20 and is supplied to the room IS is referred to as supply air SA. Furthermore, the first gas G1 introduced from the room IS into the heat exchange ventilator 1 (heat exchange element 20) is referred to as return air RA, and the air that passes through the heat exchange element 20 and is discharged to the outdoor OS is referred to as exhaust air EA. For ease of explanation, in this specification, the return air RA introduced from the room IS into the heat exchange ventilator 1 and passing through the heat exchange element 20 is referred to as first air (outward air) A1, and the outside air OA introduced from the outdoor OS into the heat exchange ventilator 1 and passing through the heat exchange element 20 is referred to as second air (inward air) A2.

[0020] The space 40 is located in the interior space 15 near the side wall 213 of the housing 21. The space 40 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the space and heat exchange of a heat exchange ventilator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchange element 20 is a total heat exchange element. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 2001 in FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state before the start of operation of the heat exchange ventilator. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 2002 in FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state when the second vent A2 vents the heat exchange ventilator. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 2003 in FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state when the first vent A1 vents the heat exchange ventilator. In FIG. 2, heat transfer is schematically illustrated by horizontally hatched shapes, and moisture transfer is typically illustrated by solid black shapes.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, in the heat exchange ventilator 1, a space 40 is located near the side wall 213 in the internal space 15 (see Fig. 1) of the outer pipe 10 (see Fig. 1). By having the space 40 near the side wall 213, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can allow the first gas G1 to remain near the side wall 213. Allowing the first gas G1 to remain near the side wall 213 means that the first gas G1 in the room IS can flow through the space 40 located near the side wall 213. A flow of the first gas G1 may occur in the space 40 due to forced convection, natural convection, or the like.

[0023] The side wall 213 may be a side wall on the outer periphery of the housing 21 (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, as in an example described later, the housing 21 (see FIG. 1) may have a shape with a hollow portion, the space 40 is located in the hollow portion, and the side wall 213 may be a side wall of the housing 21 (see FIG. 1) on the hollow portion side. The specific aspects of the side wall 213 may vary depending on the specific aspects of the space 40.

[0024] In the heat exchange ventilation device 1, sensible heat exchange occurs between the heat exchange unit 22 and the first gas G1 located in the space 40 via the side wall 213. This makes it easier to bring the temperature of the heat exchange unit 22 closer to the temperature of the room IS before the airflow generating unit 30 starts operating.

[0025] The space 40 being "located near" the side wall 213 of the housing 21 (see FIG. 1 ) means that the space 40 is provided so that the temperature of the heat exchanger 22 can be brought close to the temperature of the room IS before the airflow generating unit 30 starts operating. The space 40 may be in contact with the side wall 213, or an intervening member may be located between the space 40 and the side wall 213. Examples of the intervening member include a heat transfer member or a heat storage material.

[0026] For ease of understanding, the outline of heat exchange in the heat exchange ventilator 1 and the advantages of the space 40 will be briefly explained below with reference to Fig. 2. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor space OS is assumed to have a higher temperature and humidity than the indoor space IS. Hereinafter, in the heat exchange ventilator 1, the state in which air is ventilated from the outdoor space OS to the indoor space IS will be referred to as the supply state, and the state in which air is ventilated from the indoor space IS to the outdoor space OS will be referred to as the exhaust state.

[0027] 2, in the air supply state, the heat exchanger 22 absorbs heat from the second air A2, which is relatively high in temperature and humidity, and adsorbs (moisture absorbs) moisture from the second air A2. In this case, heat of adsorption is generated in the heat exchanger 22 due to moisture absorption.

[0028] 2, in the exhaust state, the first air A1, which is relatively low in temperature and humidity, absorbs heat from the heat exchanger 22 and desorbs (releases) moisture from the heat exchanger 22. In this case, heat absorption occurs in the heat exchanger 22 due to the moisture release (desorption). In other words, the temperature of the heat exchanger 22 and the amount of moisture adsorbed by the heat exchanger 22 decrease.

[0029] The heat exchange ventilator 1 can switch between the air supply state and the air exhaust state by, for example, switching the air blowing direction of the airflow generating unit 30 at predetermined time intervals.

[0030] In the air supply state, the temperature difference between the second air A2 and the heat exchanger 22 may be reduced due to the heat of adsorption generated by moisture absorption. If the cooling of the second air A2 weakens and the temperature of the second air A2 becomes relatively high, the relative humidity of the second air A2 decreases. Furthermore, if the temperature of the heat exchanger 22 becomes relatively high, the moisture absorption capacity of the heat exchanger 22 may decrease. Therefore, in the conventional system, it has been difficult to improve the sensible heat and latent heat exchange efficiency (total heat exchange efficiency) in the air supply state.

[0031] The present inventors have conducted extensive research into ways to improve the heat exchange efficiency of a heat exchange ventilator, and have come up with the following findings, which led to the present disclosure: By providing a space 40 in the internal space 15 of the outer tube 10, it has been found that the presence of the space 40 can facilitate the improvement of the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element 20.

[0032] Specifically, the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has the space 40, which allows the first gas G1 to remain near the sidewall 213, and allows the temperature of the heat exchange unit 22 to approach the temperature of the room IS (the temperature of the first gas G1) before the airflow generating unit 30 starts operating. This makes it easier to improve the efficiency of sensible heat exchange and reduce the effect of heat of adsorption in the air supply state from the beginning of operation of the airflow generating unit 30, and as a result, makes it easier to increase the total heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element 20.

[0033] Furthermore, in the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, heat can be dissipated from the heat exchange unit 22 to the space 40 through the sidewall 213 in both the air supply state and the exhaust state. For example, in the air supply state, the temperature of the second air A2 can be easily reduced, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. In the exhaust state, the relatively low-temperature and low-humidity first air A1 reduces the temperature and adsorbed moisture content of the heat exchange unit 22, and forced convection by the airflow generating unit 30 facilitates the inflow of the first gas G1 into the space 40, further facilitating a reduction in the temperature of the heat exchange unit 22. As a result, the heat exchange performance of the heat exchange unit 22 can be easily restored. Therefore, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can easily increase the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element 20 in the air supply state after switching from the exhaust state.

[0034] The following can also be understood from the above description: In other words, the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure exhibits the above-described effect by including the space 40, even if the heat exchange section 22 does not have a humidity control function (i.e., the heat exchange element 20 is not a total heat exchange element). As a result, the sensible heat exchange efficiency (heat exchange efficiency) of the heat exchange element 20 can be easily improved.

[0035] The heat exchange ventilator 1 may include an airtight structure 50. In this specification, a structure that makes it difficult for the second gas G2 on the outdoor OS side to reach the space 40 is referred to as the airtight structure 50. The airtight structure 50 may be any structure that prevents the second gas G2 from flowing into the space 40, and specifically may have various forms. For example, the airtight structure 50 may close or partially close the outdoor OS side of the space 40, or may have an opening / closing mechanism. The airtight structure 50 may be configured as a part of the outer tube 10 or the heat exchange element 20, or may be configured by disposing a separate member in the internal space 15 of the outer tube 10. Specific examples of the airtight structure 50 will be described in the examples below.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a ventilation system including a heat exchange ventilator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 3001 in FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state before the ventilation system starts operating. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 3002 in FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state immediately after the ventilation system starts operating. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 3003 in FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state immediately after the ventilation direction of the heat exchange ventilator is switched. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a ventilation system that performs first-class mechanical ventilation in a house, in which the outdoor (outdoor OS) is in a summer climate and the indoor (indoor IS) is in a relatively lower temperature and lower humidity environment than the outdoor environment due to air conditioning.

[0037] In the example shown in Fig. 3, two heat exchange ventilators 1 are installed in a house H. Hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, the two heat exchange ventilators 1 will be referred to as a heat exchange ventilator 1A and a heat exchange ventilator 1B, respectively. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the heat exchange elements 20 of the heat exchange ventilators 1A and 1B are each a total heat exchange element.

[0038] As shown in the diagram marked with the symbol 3001 in Figure 3, in the ventilation system 100 of one embodiment of the present disclosure, before operation begins, as described above, the first gas G1 reaches the space 40 of each of the heat exchange ventilation devices 1A and 1B, making it easier to bring the temperature of the heat exchange section 22 closer to the temperature of the room IS.

[0039] As shown in the diagram denoted by reference numeral 3002 in FIG. 3, when the ventilation system 100 starts operating, for example, the heat exchange ventilator 1A enters the exhaust state and the heat exchange ventilator 1B enters the supply state.

[0040] Immediately after starting operation, the heat exchanger ventilator 1A has a relatively low temperature and adsorbed moisture content in the heat exchange section 22. Therefore, the exhaust air EA from the heat exchanger ventilator 1A can be in a state similar to that of the first gas G1. Furthermore, as described above, the heat exchanger ventilator 1B can relatively increase the total heat conversion efficiency of the heat exchange element 20 even immediately after starting operation, and can supply the supply air SA into the room IS with a temperature and humidity that are effectively lower than those of the second gas G2.

[0041] As shown in the diagram marked with the symbol 3003 in Figure 3, in the ventilation system 100, after a predetermined time has passed, the ventilation direction of the heat exchanger ventilator 1 is switched, so that the heat exchanger ventilator 1A enters the above-mentioned supply air state and the heat exchanger ventilator 1B enters the above-mentioned exhaust air state.

[0042] The heat exchange ventilator 1A has a relatively high total heat conversion efficiency due to the action of the space 40, and can supply supply air SA to the room IS with temperature and humidity more effectively reduced than that of the second gas G2. In the heat exchange ventilator 1B, in the exhaust state, the first gas G1 is introduced as return air RA, causing the heat exchanger 22 to release heat and moisture, thereby regenerating the heat exchanger 22. The action of the space 40 further reduces the temperature of the heat exchanger 22, thereby more effectively regenerating the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger 22. As a result, the heat exchanger ventilator 1B can easily improve the sensible heat and latent heat conversion efficiency (total heat conversion efficiency) in the supply state when the ventilation direction is switched after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0043] In recent years, buildings have become increasingly airtight, and the need for indoor and outdoor ventilation has increased. At the same time, there is also a strong demand for energy conservation. Conventional ventilation, which introduces fresh second gas G2 from the outdoor OS into the indoor IS and exhausts first gas G1 from the indoor IS to the outdoor OS, places a heavy load on the air conditioning equipment in the indoor IS (consuming a lot of energy). Therefore, the use of a heat exchanger / ventilator that enables heat recovery may be considered. Generally, when the conditions of the heat exchanger element of a heat exchanger / ventilator are similar to the outdoor conditions, the heat exchange efficiency during startup is low. Furthermore, in total heat exchanger elements, the latent heat exchange efficiency decreases under summer conditions due to the influence of heat of adsorption.

[0044] As described above, the ventilation system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the thermal conversion efficiency of the heat exchange ventilators 1A and 1B. This can further reduce the load on the air conditioning equipment. This reduces the air conditioning load and creates a comfortable indoor environment IS. Furthermore, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can be constructed using materials that are highly workable, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing. By using the heat exchange ventilator 1, the ventilation system 100 can be constructed with reduced installation and maintenance costs.

[0045] 3, the ventilation system 100 may use a single heat exchange ventilator 1 or multiple heat exchange ventilators 1. The heat exchange ventilator 1 may be combined with another ventilation device such as a ventilation fan or natural ventilation to switch the ventilation direction.

[0046] (Configuration example of each part) The heat exchange ventilator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above example and can be configured in various forms. Configuration examples of each part of the heat exchange ventilator 1 are as follows (see Figures 1 and 2 for each part as appropriate).

[0047] The shape and material of the outer pipe 10 are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of forming the internal space 15. The cross-sectional shape of the outer pipe 10 may be, for example, circular, rectangular, polygonal, or other shapes (e.g., horseshoe-shaped), and may be a straight pipe or a curved pipe. The outer pipe 10 may be made of a hard material or a soft material. The outer pipe 10 may have a shape in which the opening area is not constant, for example, a tapered shape narrowing toward the outdoor OS side (see, for example, FIG. 30 ).

[0048] The heat exchange element 20 may have various shapes. The housing 21 may have various shapes corresponding to the shape of the outer pipe 10 as long as it can be installed in the internal space 15. The material of the housing 21 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, metal, ceramic, resin, etc. The heat exchange ventilator 1 may have multiple heat exchange elements 20 installed in the internal space 15.

[0049] The heat exchange element 20 may have, for example, a housing 21 and a heat exchange unit (heat exchange member) 22 that are separate bodies, in which case the heat exchange unit (heat exchange member) 22 may be installed in the internal space of the housing 21. The heat exchange element 20 may also have, for example, a structure in which the housing 21 is provided with a large number of ventilation channels, in which case the heat exchange unit 22 functions as a result of heat exchange between a structure that constitutes (defines) the ventilation channels and the airflow passing through the ventilation channels.

[0050] The heat exchanger 22 may have, for example, a porous structure that does not significantly impede the passage (airflow) of gas within the heat exchanger element 20. Examples of such porous structures include a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, and a sponge structure. When the heat exchanger 22 has a porous structure, the cell shape is not particularly limited. The heat exchanger 22 may have, for example, a plate fin shape, an interrupted fin shape, a corrugated laminate, a sheet shape, a bead column shape, or the like, and may have an open-cell structure (e.g., a sponge structure). The base material of the heat exchanger 22 may be composed of a resin, metal, ceramic, fiber, or the like. The base material of the heat exchanger 22 may also be composed of a porous material. For example, when the heat exchanger element 20 has a base material capable of absorbing moisture, it may have a humidity control function even without containing a humidity control material.

[0051] The heat exchange element 20 and the heat exchange section 22 may have a known configuration, for example, a configuration described in WO 2024 / 004319.

[0052] The heat exchanger 22 may be, for example, a self-supporting structure, or may be disposed in the internal space 15 without being inserted into the housing 21. Examples of such structures include a sponge structure and a porous structure. In the heat exchanger element 20, a virtual surface that constitutes the outer shape of the structure that functions as the heat exchanger 22 can be treated as the side wall 213 of the housing 21.

[0053] As described above, the heat exchange element 20 may contain a humidity control material. Any known humidity control material may be used. Suitable examples will be described later.

[0054] The specific configuration of the airflow generating unit 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of generating an airflow that ventilates the heat exchange element 20. The airflow generating unit 30 may be a fan with a fixed airflow direction, in which case the heat exchange ventilator 1 may include, for example, multiple fans. The heat exchange ventilator 1 can also be combined with another ventilator to switch the airflow direction of the heat exchange element 20. The airflow generating unit 30 does not have to be located within the internal space 15.

[0055] Furthermore, as can be seen from the above description, the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure does not necessarily have to include the airflow generating unit 30. That is, the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the outer pipe 10, the heat exchange element 20 disposed in the interior space 15, and the space 40. For example, outside air OA or return air RA may be ventilated through the heat exchange element 20 by an airflow generated by a ventilation device or the like installed in the room IS. The outer pipe 10 may be installed on the wall W, and the heat exchange element 20 may be installed in the interior space 15, after which the airflow generating unit 30 may be additionally installed. It is easy to understand that the above-described effects can be achieved in this case as well.

[0056] The space 40 may be provided with, for example, a guide member that guides the airflow of the first gas G1 within the space 40 (see, for example, FIGS. 21 and 22). Furthermore, the space 40 may be provided with, for example, a heat storage material, and the heat storage material may be, for example, a latent heat storage material (see, for example, FIGS. 23 to 27). In the space 40, the temperature of the latent heat storage material approaches the temperature of the first gas G1, and by bringing the latent heat storage material into contact with the heat exchange element 20, the heat storage capacity of the heat exchange element 20 can be increased. This makes it easier to further improve the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange ventilator 1.

[0057] The heat exchange ventilator 1 is not limited to a completely ductless structure, and the indoor IS side may not be connected to a duct, but may be connected to the outdoor OS via a duct. The heat exchange ventilator 1 may have a ventilation hood or panel installed in the first open section 11 or the second open section 12. The heat exchange ventilator 1 may also be equipped with various auxiliary members (filters, etc.) that are generally applied to ventilation devices.

[0058] In this embodiment, the outdoor OS is described as being under summer weather conditions, but the weather conditions are not particularly limited. For example, when the outdoor OS is under winter weather conditions, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can bring the temperature of the heat exchanger 22 closer to the temperature of the indoor IS in advance, making it easier to increase the temperature of the heat exchanger 22 in the exhaust state (making it easier to restore heat exchange performance). Therefore, it is easier to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0059] [Example 1] One example of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. In the following description, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the configurations of the multiple examples of the present disclosure. However, unless otherwise specified, the technical scope of the present disclosure also includes configurations obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiment and the different examples described below. This also applies to the other examples described below, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0060] In Example 1, a total heat exchange ventilation system will be described, in which the heat exchange element 20 is a ceramic honeycomb, the heat exchange section 22 contains a humidity-controlling material, the airflow generating section 30 is a reversible fan, and a partition section 51 as an example of an airtight structure 50 is provided on the outdoor (OS) side of the space 40. It is also assumed that the outdoor (outdoor OS) is in a summer climate, and that the indoor (indoor IS) is conditioned by air conditioning to have a relatively lower temperature and humidity than the outdoor environment. Unless otherwise specified, the above applies to the other examples described below (i.e., the basic configuration), and a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the heat exchange ventilator in Example 1. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 4001 in Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the case where the heat exchange ventilator is in an exhaust state, and the diagram indicated by reference numeral 4002 in Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the case where the heat exchange ventilator is in an air supply state. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4.

[0062] 4 and 5 , the heat exchange ventilator 1 may include a partition (outer peripheral partition) 51 that prevents the second gas G2 on the outdoor OS side from flowing into the space 40. In the heat exchange ventilator 1, the outer pipe 10 has an inner pipe wall surface 13 that extends between the first open portion 11 and the second open portion 12 and defines the internal space 15, and the heat exchange element 20 has an outer wall portion 214 that forms the outer periphery of the housing 21 as a side wall portion 213.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the heat exchange ventilator 1 has, as the space 40, an outer circumferential space 41 located between the pipe inner wall surface 13 and the outer wall 214, and the partition 51 is located on the second open portion 12 side of the outer circumferential space 41. The outer circumferential space 41 is located in the internal space 15 near the outer wall 214 of the housing 21.

[0064] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the partition 51 is located between the inner wall surface 13 of the outer pipe 10 and the outer wall 214 of the heat exchange element 20. The partition 51 may be, for example, an elastic member or a heat-insulating material. In the heat exchange ventilator 1, for example, the heat exchange element 20 may be installed in the internal space 15 using the partition 51. The partition 51 may function as a partition wall that separates the outer circumferential space 41 from the outdoor OS. The outer circumferential space 41 may be sealed on the outdoor OS side by the partition 51. In the heat exchange ventilator 1, substantially only the first gas G1 may be allowed to flow through the outer circumferential space 41.

[0065] The partition 51 is not limited to the above example, and the specific shape and material are not particularly limited as long as it constitutes an airtight structure 50 that can prevent the second gas G2 from flowing into the outer periphery space 41. The partition 51 may have a gap in part that connects the outer periphery space 41 to the outdoor OS. Such a gap may be formed unintentionally or intentionally, for example. The heat exchange ventilator 1 is not limited to the outer periphery space 41 being isolated (hermetically sealed) from the outdoor OS. Even if the partition 51 has a gap, heat exchange efficiency can be easily improved. This can be easily understood from the above explanation.

[0066] In the heat exchange ventilator 1, in the exhaust state, convection CA of the first gas G1 can occur in the outer circumferential space 41. The convection CA includes an airflow toward the partition 51 and an airflow that turns at the partition 51 and returns toward the first opening 211.

[0067] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the partition 51 is positioned so as to contact the end of the outer wall 214 of the heat exchange element 20 on the outdoor OS side, but this is not limiting. Even if the partition 51 is positioned closer to the indoor IS side than in the example shown in Fig. 4, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can easily improve heat exchange efficiency by having the outer peripheral space 41. This can be easily understood from the above explanation.

[0068] The partition 51 may be located closer to the outdoor OS than the center of the heat exchange element 20 in the first direction (X-axis direction), for example. The closer the partition 51 is located to the outdoor OS, the larger the volume of the outer space 41 can be, which facilitates improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange ventilator 1. In the heat exchange ventilator 1, the ratio of the distance from the end of the outer wall 214 on the outdoor OS side to the position of the partition 51 to the entire length of the heat exchange element 20 in the first direction (X-axis direction) may be less than 0.5, less than 0.3, less than 0.2, or less than 0.1. Furthermore, the partition 51 may be located closer to the outdoor OS than the end of the outer wall 214 on the outdoor OS side, for example, so as to be in contact with the outer edge of the second opening 212.

[0069] In the heat exchange ventilator 1, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction) (see FIG. 5 ), the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat exchange section 22 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space 15 of the outer pipe 10 may be 0.40 to 0.95, or 0.70 to 0.90. Furthermore, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral space 41 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space 15 of the outer pipe 10 may be 0.05 to 0.60, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0070] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a humidity-conditioning material. As shown in Fig. 6, the humidity-conditioning material 60 may contain, for example, a humidity-conditioning component 61 and a water-absorbing material 62. The humidity-conditioning material 60 has a predetermined equilibrium humidity, and when the humidity of the surrounding environment is higher than the predetermined equilibrium humidity, it can absorb moisture in the air (moisture absorption). Furthermore, when the humidity of the surrounding environment is lower than the predetermined equilibrium humidity, it can release moisture contained in the humidity-conditioning material 60 into the air (moisture release).

[0071] The humidity-conditioning material 60 can adjust the predetermined equilibrium humidity (in other words, the target humidity) by changing the specific configuration of the humidity-conditioning component 61 and the water-absorbing material 62. In the heat exchange ventilator 1, the predetermined equilibrium humidity of the humidity-conditioning material 60 may be set to correspond to the usage situation. As a result, unlike common desiccants (such as silica gel), the humidity-conditioning material 60 can repeatedly absorb and release moisture in accordance with the operation of the heat exchange ventilator 1 (switching between the air supply state and the air exhaust state). Therefore, it can exert its effects over a long period of time.

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the humidity-conditioning material 60 is constructed by impregnating a moisture-conditioning liquid, which is a moisture-conditioning component 61, into a water-absorbing material 62. The moisture-absorbing material 62 may contain, for example, a resin, which may be an ionic resin or a nonionic resin. Specific examples of ionic resins include alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, starch-acrylate graft polymers, and copolymer cross-linked monomers composed of sulfoalkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, (meth)acrylic acid monomers, and, if necessary, other polymerized monomers. Specific examples of alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid include sodium polyacrylate. Specific examples of nonionic resins include vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyalkylene oxides.

[0073] The humidity control component 61 may contain at least one of a polyhydric alcohol and a metal salt.

[0074] Specific examples of polyhydric alcohols include glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol. The humidity-controlling component 61 may contain a polyhydric alcohol having three or more hydroxyl groups, such as glycerin. The polyhydric alcohol may form a dimer or a polymer. The humidity-controlling component 61 may contain only one type of polyhydric alcohol, or may contain two or more types of polyhydric alcohol.

[0075] The metal salt may contain an alkali metal element and a halogen element. Specific examples of the metal salt include calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide, and sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate. The humidity-conditioning component 61 may contain only one type of metal salt, or may contain two or more types of metal salts.

[0076] The humidity-conditioning material 60 may be configured to have a predetermined equilibrium humidity and exhibit rapid moisture absorption or release with a specific humidity range as a threshold. The relative humidity (threshold) at which the humidity-conditioning material 60 rapidly absorbs or releases moisture when the surrounding environment exceeds or falls below a predetermined relative humidity is referred to as the critical relative humidity. For ease of explanation, the property of the humidity-conditioning material 60 that causes such rapid moisture absorption and release is referred to as "rapid humidity-conditioning property." Although the detailed mechanism of the rapid humidity-conditioning property of the humidity-conditioning material 60 is not yet clear, it is speculated that the phase transformation (crystallization) of the humidity-conditioning component 61 may have an effect.

[0077] The humidity-conditioning component 61 may contain a metal salt component that forms hydrate crystals in the above-mentioned specific humidity range. For example, the humidity-conditioning component 61 may contain a carboxylate as the metal salt. Examples of the carboxylate include sodium formate, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, potassium formate, and potassium acetate. The humidity-conditioning component 61 may contain a deliquescent substance having deliquescent properties, and may contain, for example, an alkali metal halide as the metal salt. This makes it easier to improve the humidity-conditioning properties of the humidity-conditioning material 60.

[0078] The humidity-conditioning component 61 includes a specific metal salt and may also include other components as additives for adjusting the critical relative humidity. Examples of such additives include metal salts other than the specific metal salt, polyhydric alcohols, or substances that act as nucleating materials for hydrate crystals. Specific examples of substances that act as nucleating materials for hydrate crystals include carboxylic acids having two or more carboxyl groups and amides having two or more amide groups.

[0079] The humidity-conditioning component 61 may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, potassium formate, and potassium acetate. This allows the difference between the moisture absorption rate in a 90% relative humidity environment and the moisture absorption rate in a 40% relative humidity environment to be 200% or more, and the humidity-conditioning component 61 can absorb and release moisture at a rate more than twice its weight. More preferably, the humidity-conditioning component 61 may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate. The critical relative humidity of sodium formate and sodium propionate is around 50%, and the critical relative humidity of sodium acetate is around 70%. These substances have a large absolute amount of moisture absorption or release, and therefore can improve the humidity-conditioning function of the humidity-conditioning material 60. By using the humidity-regulating material 60, the heat exchange ventilation device 1 can regulate the humidity of the supply air SA so that it is within a comfortable humidity range in the living environment (for example, relative humidity: 40% to 70%), and can also increase the humidity regulation amount (the amount of moisture that can be absorbed and released).

[0080] The shape of the humidity conditioner 60 is not particularly limited, and the water-absorbing material 62, which is a resin, may be in the form of a powder, particles, or a block. In the humidity conditioner 60, for example, the amount of humidity-conditioning component 61 relative to the water-absorbing material 62 may be 1 part by weight or more and 1,000 parts by weight or less, where the water-absorbing material 62 is 100 parts by weight. The humidity conditioner 60 may be supported on a support 65, and the support 65 may be a material that moistens and retains the humidity-conditioning liquid, which is the humidity-conditioning component 61. The support 65 may be, for example, a porous body, a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, or the like, or may be a metal material or a binder.

[0081] 6 shows an example in which the support 65 is a binder, and the binder (support 65) is disposed between water absorbents 66, and a sheet is shown in which the humidity-conditioning material 60 is dispersed in the binder. Such a sheet may be included in the heat exchange section 22 of the heat exchange element 20. Without being limited to this, beads containing the humidity-conditioning material 60 may be included in the heat exchange section 22. The humidity-conditioning component 61 may be present inside the water-absorbing material 62 or may be present outside the water-absorbing material 62.

[0082] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a heat exchanger. As shown in Fig. 7, the heat exchanger 22 may have a substrate 25 that forms a honeycomb structure, and the substrate 25 may form an air passage. The air passage may be, for example, triangular, rectangular, or hexagonal. Fig. 7 is just one example, and the heat exchanger 22 may have air passages of other shapes. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 22 may have a network-shaped substrate 25 that forms, for example, an open-cell structure.

[0083] The substrate 25 may be a heat storage substrate made of a material with a large heat storage capacity, such as metal (e.g., aluminum), ceramics, or the like. The substrate 25 may be made of a material that retains the humidity-conditioning component 61, which is the humidity-conditioning liquid, by wetting it. The substrate 25 may be, for example, a porous body. The substrate 25 may be made of hydrophilic fibers, such as nonwoven fabric or woven fabric. The substrate 25 may be, for example, a mesh-like metal, or may be made of cellulose fiber or paper. For example, by supporting a water-absorbing material 62, which is a resin, on the substrate 25, the humidity-conditioning material 60 can be efficiently brought into contact with air. As a result, the humidity-conditioning performance of the heat exchanger 22 can be easily improved.

[0084] When the substrate 25 is a metal, selecting a carboxylate or a polyhydric alcohol as the humidity-conditioning component 61 can reduce the possibility of corrosion of the substrate 25 by the metal salt. The humidity-conditioning component 61 may include a carboxylate and a polyhydric alcohol.

[0085] In the heat exchange section 22, the substrate 25 may be in the form of a sheet, or may be formed into various shapes such as a flat plate, pleated, honeycomb, etc. For example, the heat exchange section 22 may be formed by producing a formed body by forming a sheet-like material into a corrugated (fluted) shape or the like using a corrugator, and then integrating the formed body with a flat plate-like liner made of the same or a different material as the sheet using an adhesive.

[0086] When the heat exchange section 22 or the humidity conditioner 60 has a known configuration, examples of the configuration, materials, etc. described in International Publication No. 2024 / 004319 can be given.

[0087] The greater the difference between the predetermined equilibrium humidity and the relative humidity of the surrounding environment, the greater the driving force for moisture absorption and desorption of the humidity-conditioning material 60. For the same amount of moisture in the air, a decrease in air temperature increases the relative humidity. Generally, in summer conditions where the outdoor OS is hot and humid, conventional heat exchange elements carrying humidity-conditioning material tend to suffer from insufficient heat capacity due to the heat from the outside air (OA) and the increased processing heat generated by adsorption heat due to moisture absorption, resulting in a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, when the temperature of the gas passing through the heat exchange element becomes relatively high, the relative humidity decreases, and the difference from the equilibrium humidity of the humidity-conditioning material (vapor pressure difference) decreases, resulting in a decrease in latent heat exchange efficiency.

[0088] In contrast, the heat exchange ventilator 1 of Example 1 includes the partition 51 and the outer periphery space 41, which facilitates bringing the temperature of the heat exchange element 20 closer to the temperature of the room IS before the device is started. This facilitates the humidity control material 60 absorbing moisture from the second gas A2 during the air supply state upon device startup. Furthermore, the outer periphery space 41 allows heat exchange between the heat exchange element 20 and the first gas G1 to occur via the outer wall 214, which also facilitates reducing the effects of heat adsorption associated with moisture absorption. This improves the latent heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange element 20, including the humidity control material 60.

[0089] Therefore, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can easily improve the sensible heat and latent heat exchange efficiency, and can achieve high total heat exchange efficiency from the time of startup of the device (when the airflow generating unit 30 starts operating).

[0090] The total heat exchange efficiency (%) can be evaluated using the formula (OA - SA) / (OA - RA) x 100, based on the calculation formula specified in the Japanese Industrial Standards B 8639 2017, "Method for Measuring Airflow, Effective Ventilation, and Heat Exchange Efficiency of Total Heat Exchangers." The difference in the formula corresponds to the relative thermal energy difference and can be associated, for example, with the distance between two points on a psychrometric chart using temperature and absolute humidity as evaluation indices. That is, OA, SA, and RA may correspond to points on a psychrometric chart based on the temperature and relative humidity of the outdoor air OA (i.e., second gas G2) introduced into the heat exchange ventilator 1 from the outdoor OS, the supply air SA supplied from the heat exchange ventilator 1 to the indoor IS, and the return air RA (i.e., first gas G1) introduced into the heat exchange ventilator 1 from the indoor IS, respectively.

[0091] [Example 2] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator in Example 2. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 8001 in Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the case where the heat exchange ventilator is in an exhaust state, and the diagram indicated by reference numeral 8002 in Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the case where the heat exchange ventilator is in an air supply state. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a heat exchange element of the heat exchange ventilator in Example 2.

[0092] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, in the heat exchange ventilator 1 of Example 2, the housing 21 has a shape that includes a hollow portion 26. The hollow portion 26 has a third opening 230 that is different from the first opening 211 and opens to the indoor IS side. In the example shown in Figures 8 to 10, the hollow portion 26 also has a fourth opening 240 that is different from the second opening 212 and opens to the outdoor OS side. In the heat exchange ventilator 1, the heat exchange element 20 has an inner wall portion 215 that forms the inner periphery of the housing 21 as the side wall portion 213. The inner wall portion 215 faces the hollow portion 26.

[0093] In Example 2, the heat exchange ventilator 1 has an inner space 42 located in the hollow portion 26 as the space 40, and may include an inner partition (partition) 52 as an airtight structure 50 that prevents the second gas G2 from the outdoor OS side from flowing into the inner space 42. The inner partition 52 is located on the second open portion 12 side of the inner space 42. The inner space 42 is located in the internal space 15 near the inner wall 215 of the housing 21.

[0094] In the example shown in Figures 8 to 10, the heat exchange ventilator 1 has a housing 21 of a heat exchange element 20 that has a ring-shaped cylindrical shape, and an inner partition 52 is attached to the fourth opening 240 of the hollow portion 26. The inner partition 52 may have a shape that fits into the fourth opening 240 of the hollow portion 26, and may be, for example, a disk shape. The inner partition 52 may have a configuration similar to that of the partition 51 of Example 1. The installation position of the inner partition 52 may also be the same as that described for the partition 51 of Example 1. The contents of the partition 51 described above will not be repeated.

[0095] In the heat exchange ventilator 1, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction), the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat exchange section 22 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space 15 of the outer pipe 10 may be 0.40 to 0.95, or 0.70 to 0.90. Also, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space 42 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space 15 of the outer pipe 10 may be 0.05 to 0.60, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0096] In the heat exchange ventilator 1, in the exhaust state, convection CA of the first gas G1 may occur in the inner space 42. In the second embodiment, the heat exchange ventilator 1 may have the outer wall 214 of the housing 21 in contact with the inner wall surface 13 of the outer pipe 10. The heat exchange ventilator 1 does not need to have the outer space 41 (see FIG. 4 ).

[0097] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11 , the heat exchange ventilator 1 may have a hollow portion 26 of the housing 21 that has a third opening 230 but does not have a fourth opening 240. Specifically, a bottom plate portion 29, which is part of the housing 21, may be located on the opposite side of the hollow portion 26 from the third opening 230. The bottom plate portion 29 functions as an inner partition portion 52. In this way, the heat exchange ventilator 1 may have the inner partition portion 52 provided as part of the housing 21.

[0098] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the heat exchange ventilator 1 may have a shape in which the housing 21 has a groove 27. The groove 27 has a third opening 230 that is different from the first opening 211 and opens to the indoor IS side. The housing 21 may have two first openings 211 on either side of the third opening 230. The inner wall 215 faces the groove 27.

[0099] In the heat exchange ventilator 1, the inner space 42 serving as the space 40 is located in the groove 27, and the inner partition (partition) 52 serving as the airtight structure 50 may be located on the second open section 12 side of the inner space 42. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the bottom plate 29, which is part of the housing 21, functions as the inner partition 52. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the groove 27 is located in a direction along the XY plane, but the orientation of the groove 27 is not particularly limited. The heat exchange ventilator 1 may have multiple grooves 27, and the multiple grooves 27 may intersect (not shown).

[0100] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator in another example of Example 2. As shown in Fig. 13, the heat exchange ventilator 1 may further include a second heat exchange element 20B in addition to the heat exchange element 20.

[0101] The second heat exchange element 20B includes a second housing 21B and a second heat exchanger 22B that exchanges heat with airflow passing through the second housing 21B. The second housing 21B has a fifth opening 250 that opens to the indoor IS side and a sixth opening 260 that opens to the outdoor OS side. The second housing 21B also has a second inner wall 216 that extends from the fifth opening 250 toward the sixth opening 260 as a side wall 213. The second heat exchange element 20B is disposed adjacent to the heat exchange element 20 within the internal space 15. The heat exchange ventilator 1 has a gap 28 located between the inner wall 215 of the heat exchange element 20 and the second inner wall 216 of the second heat exchange element 20B, which face each other.

[0102] 13 , the heat exchange ventilator 1 has, as the space 40, an inner space 42 located in the gap 28, and an inner partition (partition) 52 may be located on the second open section 12 side of the inner space 42. The inner space 42 is located in the internal space 15 near the inner wall 215 of the housing 21 and near the second inner wall 216 of the second housing 21B.

[0103] 13 , the heat exchange ventilator 1 has a housing 21 of the heat exchange element 20 and a second housing 21B of the second heat exchange element 20B each having a semi-cylindrical shape, and an inner partition 52 is attached to the outdoor OS side of the gap 28. The inner partition 52 may have a shape that fits into the gap 28, such as a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Both longitudinal end faces of the inner partition 52 may have curved shapes so as to abut against the inner wall surface 13 of the outer pipe 10. However, the inner partition 52 may be a plate-shaped member, and the specific shape is not particularly limited, and it may be formed by combining multiple members.

[0104] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the heat exchange ventilator 1 may have an outer space 41 and an inner space 42 as the space 40, and a partition (outer space partition) 51 and an inner partition 52 as the airtight structure 50. For example, the housing 21 may have a ring-shaped cylindrical shape, the inner partition 52 may be disposed on the second open section 12 side of the hollow section 26, and the partition 51 may be disposed on the second open section 12 side of the outer space 41. The heat exchange ventilator 1 may have a groove 27 (see Fig. 12) or a gap 28 (see Fig. 13) instead of the hollow section 26.

[0105] [Example 3] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator in Example 3. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 1501 in Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the state before the heat exchange ventilator starts operating, and the diagram indicated by reference numeral 1502 in Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the state after the heat exchange ventilator starts operating and is in the air supply state. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in Fig. 15.

[0106] 15 and 16 , in the heat exchange ventilator 1 of Example 3, for example, the partition 51 is configured to be openable and closable. The heat exchange ventilator 1 may further include a control unit 70 that controls the open / closed state of the partition 51. The control unit 70 may function as an open / close control unit by controlling the operation of the airflow generation unit 30.

[0107] The heat exchange ventilation device 1 may include, for example, an opening / closing unit 53 configured to be openable and closable in a portion of the partition 51. If the direction from the indoor space IS to the outdoor space OS is defined as the outward direction and the direction from the outdoor space OS to the indoor space IS is defined as the inward direction, the opening / closing unit 53 is configured to be switchable between an open and closed state in the outward direction and to maintain a closed state in the inward direction. In other words, the opening / closing unit 53 may have a one-sided opening structure that opens only outward. For example, when wind pressure acting outward on the opening / closing unit 53 exceeds a predetermined level, the opening / closing unit 53 opens, and when it does not exceed the predetermined level, the opening / closing unit 53 closes. On the other hand, when wind pressure acts inward on the opening / closing unit 53, the opening / closing unit 53 may maintain a closed state regardless of the magnitude of the wind pressure. The wind pressure may correspond to the volume of air blown from the airflow generating unit 30 (specifically, the fan rotation speed).

[0108] The heat exchange ventilator 1 may be capable of switching the operating mode of the airflow generation unit 30 between, for example, a first mode in which the opening / closing unit 53 is closed and normal ventilation operation is performed, and a second mode in which ventilation operation is performed with the opening / closing unit 53 in an open state. The control unit 70 controls the operating output of the airflow generation unit 30 to be stronger in the second mode than in the first mode. The opening degree of the opening / closing unit 53 in the open state is not particularly limited, and the threshold air volume at which the open / close state is switched may also be set appropriately.

[0109] The heat exchange ventilator 1 can control the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit 53, for example, by controlling the control unit 70 to adjust the operating output of the airflow generation unit 30. This allows switching between the first mode and the second mode in the exhaust state. Furthermore, this configuration is more energy-efficient and simpler than when a mechanism for opening and closing the opening / closing unit 53 itself is provided. For example, in the first mode, the control unit 70 may be able to adjust the operating output of the airflow generation unit 30 within an airflow range in which the opening / closing unit 53 is closed.

[0110] The specific form of the opening / closing part 53, such as its shape, position, and size, is not particularly limited. The entire partition part 51 may serve as the opening / closing part 53. The opening / closing part 53 is not limited to a window-like structure and may have other structures. For example, the opening / closing part 53 may have a valve structure, may be a check valve, may be a positive pressure damper, or the like.

[0111] In the heat exchange ventilator 1, in the exhaust state, opening the opening / closing unit 53 (setting the second mode) generates an airflow ST of the first gas G1 passing through the outer periphery space 41. The airflow ST passes from the indoor space IS through the outer periphery space 41 and flows to the outdoor space OS through the open opening / closing unit 53. The airflow ST can further reduce the temperature of the heat exchange unit 22. Therefore, in the exhaust state, the heat exchange performance of the heat exchange unit 22 can be more effectively restored.

[0112] The above can be summarized as follows: In the heat exchange ventilator 1, the control unit 70 controls the output of the airflow generation unit 30 so that the wind pressure of the first gas G1 reaching the partition unit 51 through the space 40 causes the partition unit 51 to change from a closed state to an open state.

[0113] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 17 . As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the heat exchange ventilator 1 may be configured such that the inner partition 52 is openable and closable. For example, the inner partition 52 may have an opening / closing mechanism 54 that opens and closes under the control of the control unit 70. Examples of the opening / closing mechanism 54 include a rotary opening / closing mechanism, a sliding door opening / closing mechanism, and a throttle opening / closing mechanism. The specific configuration of the opening / closing mechanism 54 is not particularly limited.

[0114] In the heat exchange ventilation device 1, the control unit 70 controls the opening / closing mechanism 54 to open the inner partition 52 in the exhaust state. This generates an airflow ST of the first gas G1 passing through the inner space 42. The airflow ST flows from the room IS through the inner space 42 and to the outdoor space OS through the open inner partition 52.

[0115] In the heat exchange ventilation device 1, both the airflow generating unit 30 and the opening / closing mechanism 54 may be controlled by the control unit 70, and in this case, the opening / closing control of the opening / closing mechanism 54 may be linked to the control of the operating output of the airflow generating unit 30.

[0116] In the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to another example of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, for example, the bottom plate 29 of the housing 21 may function as the inner partition 52 (see FIG. 11 ). In this case, the bottom plate 29 may be configured to be openable and closable. For example, the bottom plate 29 may have an opening / closing unit 53 or an opening / closing mechanism 54. In the heat exchange ventilator 1, the open / closed state of the bottom plate 29 functioning as the inner partition 52 may be controlled by the control unit 70.

[0117] 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a ventilation operation process of a heat exchange ventilator in another example of Example 3. Hereinafter, an example of a ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1 (the example shown in the above-mentioned FIGS. 15 and 16 ) in which the operation mode of the airflow generation unit 30 is switched to control the open / close state of the opening / closing unit 53 will be described. Note that a detailed description of an example of a ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1 (the example shown in the above-mentioned FIGS. 17 and 18 ) in which the open / close state of the opening / closing mechanism 54 is controlled by the control unit 70 can be understood based on the following description, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 19 , the ventilation operation process of the heat exchanger ventilator 1 starts with the heat exchanger ventilator 1 stopped (the airflow generating unit 30 is stopped). At this time, the opening / closing unit 53 of the partition 51 is normally closed. If the partition 51 has, for example, an opening / closing mechanism 54, the partition 51 may be opened by the opening / closing mechanism 54. The heat exchanger ventilator 1 may also have a shielding unit located closer to the outdoor OS than the heat exchange element 20. When the heat exchanger ventilator 1 is stopped, the second open section 12 may be covered by the shielding unit, or the second opening 212 may be covered by a shielding unit located in the internal space 15. The second opening 212 and the outdoor OS side of the space 40 may be covered by the shielding unit.

[0119] Next, in an example of the ventilation operation process of the heat exchanger ventilator 1, when the operation of the heat exchanger ventilator 1 is started (e.g., when the power is turned on), a pre-operation period is initiated (step S1). The pre-operation period may be a predetermined time (first predetermined time) after the airflow generating unit 30 is started to generate an airflow from the indoor (IS) side toward the outdoor (OS) side. During the pre-operation period, the control unit 70 controls the partition unit 51 to be in an open state. Specifically, during the pre-operation period, the control unit 70 controls the airflow direction of the airflow generating unit 30 to be in an exhaust state and controls the operation output of the airflow generating unit 30 to be in the second mode (step S3).

[0120] The pre-operation period continues until the first predetermined time has elapsed (No in step S5). Although omitted from FIG. 19 for clarity, if the power is turned off (the heat exchanger / ventilator 1 is stopped) before the first predetermined time has elapsed, the ventilation operation process of the heat exchanger / ventilator 1 may be terminated. After the first predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S5), the control unit 70 controls the airflow direction of the airflow generating unit 30 to enter the air supply state (step S7). This causes the opening / closing unit 53 to close. The first predetermined time may be set as appropriate and is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, from several tens of seconds to several minutes.

[0121] After the pre-operation period, the control unit 70 controls the airflow generation unit 30 to perform normal ventilation. Specifically, after step S7, the air supply state is continued until a second predetermined time has elapsed (No in step S9). Note that if the heat exchange ventilator 1 is stopped before the second predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S11), the ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1 ends.

[0122] After the second predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S9), the control unit 70 controls the airflow direction of the airflow generation unit 30 to enter the exhaust state and controls the operational output of the airflow generation unit 30 to enter the first mode (step S13). In this case, the opening / closing unit 53 is maintained in the closed state. The second predetermined time may be set appropriately and is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, from several tens of seconds to several minutes.

[0123] Next, after step S13, the exhaust state continues until the third predetermined time has elapsed (No in step S15). Note that if the heat exchange ventilator 1 is stopped before the third predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S17), the ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1 ends.

[0124] In one example of the ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1, after the third predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S15), the process returns to step S7. The third predetermined time may be set appropriately and is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes. The second predetermined time and the third predetermined time may be the same or different from each other.

[0125] According to the ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1 as described above, the first gas G1 is ventilated through the outer circumferential space 41 and the heat exchange element 20 during the pre-operation period, thereby making the temperature of the heat exchange element 20 even closer to the temperature of the first gas G1. Therefore, in step S7 immediately after step S5, the heat exchange efficiency can be effectively improved.

[0126] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a ventilation operation process of a heat exchange ventilator in another example of Example 3. As shown in Fig. 20 , in this example of the ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1, after the processes up to step S7 described above, the airflow generating unit 30 is controlled to switch between the air supply state and the air exhaust state over time while keeping the opening / closing unit 53 in the closed state (step S21).

[0127] In one example of the ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1, after step S21, the supply state and the exhaust state are switched a predetermined number of times (Yes in step S23), and then the process returns to step S3. The predetermined number of times may be set appropriately and is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, several dozen times. In other words, the sum of one supply state period and one exhaust state period may be one cycle, and several dozen cycles may be repeated. Note that if the heat exchange ventilator 1 is stopped before the supply state and the exhaust state are switched a predetermined number of times (Yes in step S25), the ventilation operation process of the heat exchange ventilator 1 ends.

[0128] The above can be summarized as follows: In other words, in the heat exchange ventilator 1, the control unit 70 controls the partition unit 51 to switch from the closed state to the open state at predetermined time intervals while the airflow generating unit 30 is being driven.

[0129] [Example 4] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to Example 4. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in Fig. 21 . As shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to Example 4 further includes a partition structure 80 provided in the outer circumferential space 41. The partition structure 80 divides at least a portion of the outer circumferential space 41 into a first space 41A on the pipe inner wall surface 13 side and a second space 41B on the outer wall 214 side. The partition structure 80 is provided so that the first gas G1 on the indoor IS side flows through the first space 41A and then toward the second space 41B.

[0130] The partition structure 80 may be arranged to have a space 41C between the partition portion 51 and the outer peripheral space portion 41 for the convection current CA to turn. As the convection current CA flows through the second space 41B, heat exchange occurs between the first gas G1 and the heat exchange portion 22 via the outer wall portion 214. This improves the contact efficiency between the first gas G1 and the heat exchange element 20. Therefore, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can effectively improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0131] The partition structure 80 may have an airflow guiding portion 81 on the first open portion 11 side that guides the airflow (convection CA) that has flowed through the second space 41B toward the first opening 211 of the heat exchange element 20. This makes it easier to exhaust the first gas G1 that has exchanged heat with the heat exchange unit 22 via the outer wall portion 214 as the first gas A1. By promoting the replacement of the first gas G1 in the outer peripheral space portion 41, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange ventilator 1 can be further improved.

[0132] [Example 5] Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to Example 5. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXIV-XXIV in Fig. 23. As shown in Figs. 23 and 24, the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to Example 5 further includes a heat storage unit 85. The heat storage unit 85 is located in the outer periphery space 41 and is in contact with the outer wall 214 and the first gas G1 on the indoor IS side, and includes a latent heat storage material.

[0133] Phase change materials are materials that store latent heat exchanged with the outside during a phase change or phase transition of a substance as thermal energy. Phase change materials can utilize the heat of fusion and the heat of solidification that accompany the phase change between solid and liquid at the melting point of the phase change material. Phase change materials store heat at the phase change temperature, so they can store heat in a specific temperature range (boundary). This is due to the phenomenon that as long as the two layers of solid and liquid coexist during the phase change, they continue to take heat from the outside, preventing the temperature from rising above the melting point.

[0134] The latent heat storage material may have a melting point that allows it to effectively store heat in the heat exchange between the first gas G1 in the room IS and the second gas G2 in the outdoor OS. The latent heat storage material may have a melting point of, for example, 10 to 35°C, or may be 20 to 35°C. The heat storage unit 85 may have a phase transition temperature of 25 to 35°C. The latent heat storage material may have a melting point of, for example, 27 to 30°C, and by using the heat storage unit 85 including such a latent heat storage material, it is possible to effectively store latent heat as thermal energy.

[0135] Specific examples of latent heat storage materials include (i) fatty acids such as palmitic acid and myristic acid, (ii) aromatic hydrocarbon compounds such as benzene and p-xylene, (iii) ester compounds such as isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate, stearyl stearate, and myristyl myristate, and (iv) alcohols such as stearyl alcohol. Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbons include paraffins. Examples of paraffins include linear and branched paraffins, such as linear n-paraffin. Examples of n-paraffins include n-pentadecane, n-hexadecane, n-heptadecane, n-octadecane, and n-nonadecane. The heat storage unit 85 may contain only one type of latent heat storage material, or may contain two or more types.

[0136] The form of the latent heat storage material is not particularly limited and may be liquid, slurry, gel, or powder. The latent heat storage material may be filled in a partially open container or a sealed container such as a bag. In this case, a large amount of latent heat storage material can be used as the heat storage unit 85, making it easier to increase the heat storage capacity of the heat storage unit 85.

[0137] The latent heat storage material may be encapsulated in microcapsules, in which case the phase of the latent heat storage material changes within the microcapsules. Microcapsules encapsulating the latent heat storage material are called heat storage encapsulants. The heat storage encapsulants can improve fluidity and can be fixed by coating or the like. Therefore, the use of the heat storage encapsulants improves the handleability of the latent heat storage material. Furthermore, the heat transfer properties of the heat storage section 85 are improved.

[0138] A chemically and physically stable and relatively inexpensive substance can be used as the latent heat storage material in the heat exchange ventilator 1. By providing the heat storage unit 85, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can further easily improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0139] The heat storage unit 85 may cover a portion of the outer wall 214 in the outer peripheral space 41. The heat storage unit 85 may be arranged, for example, in a slit shape. In this case, the surface of the slit-shaped heat storage unit 85 (the side surface exposed to the outer peripheral space 41) extends in the X direction, thereby increasing the contact area between the surface of the heat storage unit 85 and the first gas G1 by the surface of the heat storage unit 85 extending in the X direction. As a result, the surface area effect can easily increase the contact efficiency between the heat storage unit 85 and the first gas G1. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange ventilator 1 can easily be improved.

[0140] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to another example of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the heat storage unit 85 may cover the entire surface of the outer wall 214 in a cross-sectional view. The heat storage unit 85 may or may not be in contact with the tube inner wall surface 13. The heat storage unit 85 may be in contact with a portion of the inner wall 215 in a cross-sectional view, or may cover the entire surface. When the heat storage unit 85 is surface-covered, the efficiency of heat transfer from the heat exchange element 20 to the heat storage unit 85 is increased. Therefore, heat storage in the heat storage unit 85 is promoted.

[0141] For example, the heat storage unit 85 can be additionally disposed as needed after the heat exchange ventilator 1 is installed on the wall W. The heat exchange ventilator 1 including the heat storage unit 85 can be realized with reduced manufacturing costs.

[0142] Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator in another example of Example 5. As shown in Fig. 27 , the heat exchange ventilator 1 includes a heat storage unit 85, and the heat storage unit 85 includes a protruding portion 86 that is in contact with the pipe inner wall surface 13 and protrudes toward the first open portion 11 beyond the first opening 211 of the heat exchange element 20. The protruding portion 86 has an inclined surface 87 that is inclined toward the first opening 211.

[0143] In the example shown in FIG. 27 , the protrusion 86 brings the heat storage unit 85 closer to the indoor IS side, making it easier to bring the temperature of the heat storage unit 85 closer to the temperature of the first gas G1. Furthermore, the inclined surface 87 makes the cross section of the protrusion 86 inclined, making it easier to concentrate the flow of the first gas G1 blown from the airflow generating unit 30 toward the first opening 211. For example, the airflow generating unit 30 may have a characteristic in which the wind speed is faster at the periphery than at the center. In this case, the introduction of the first gas G1 from the relatively faster wind speed at the periphery to the relatively slower wind speed at the center can be promoted. This makes it easier to equalize the volume of the first air A1 passing through the heat exchange unit 22 of the heat exchange element 20. As a result, the moisture absorption and regeneration balance can be evened out by alternating between the intake and exhaust states in the heat exchange unit 22. This makes it easier to improve the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange ventilator 1.

[0144] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator according to a sixth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 28, the heat exchange ventilator 1 according to the sixth embodiment includes, as the airflow generating unit 30, a first fan 30A that blows a first gas G1 toward the indoor space IS and a second fan 30B that blows a second gas G2 toward the outdoor space OS. In the example shown in Fig. 28, the first fan 30A may be fixed so that its airflow direction is from the indoor space IS toward the outdoor space OS (outward), and the second fan 30B may be fixed so that its airflow direction is from the outdoor space OS toward the indoor space IS (inward). Alternatively, the first fan 30A may blow air inward, and the second fan 30B may blow air outward. The heat exchange ventilation device 1 can switch the ventilation direction by controlling the drive of the control unit 70, for example, so that the second fan 30B is stopped when the first fan 30A is being driven, and the first fan 30A is stopped when the second fan 30B is being driven.

[0145] [Other Examples] Figure 29 is a graph showing an example of the wind speed distribution characteristics of a fan with a switchable airflow direction. Figure 29 shows an example of data relating to a state in which the airflow generating unit 30 is a fan with a switchable airflow direction and the fan is located closer to the IS side of the room than the heat exchange element 20. Figure 29 shows the relationship between the position from the center to the outer periphery and the wind speed for each of the first airflow A1 when the airflow generating unit 30 blows air toward the heat exchange element 20 and the second airflow A2 when the airflow generating unit 30 blows air toward the IS side of the room. The wind speed at each position was measured using multiple measurement points set as follows: Measurement points were set 20 mm inward from the surface of the heat exchange element 20 on the IS side of the room, parallel to the surface of the heat exchange element 20, and at positions shifted 15 mm increments from the origin, which is the center of the heat exchange element 20 when viewed from the front (a perspective parallel to the X direction), toward the outer periphery. As a result, measurement points were set up at a total of nine locations, including the origin, and the wind speed was measured at each location.

[0146] It can be seen that the first airflow A1 has a relatively small wind speed at the center, while the second airflow A2 has a relatively small variation in wind speed depending on the position. From the above explanation, the following can be understood. That is, when a fan having the wind speed distribution characteristics shown in FIG. 29 is used as the airflow generating unit 30, the heat exchange ventilator 1 can effectively generate convection CA by having the outer space 41, making it easier to improve heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, it can be seen that the heat exchange ventilator 1 can efficiently ventilate the first airflow A1 through the heat exchange unit 22 by having the inner space 42, making it easier to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0147] 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger ventilator according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 30 , in the heat exchanger ventilator 1, a partition 51 may be provided as part of the outer pipe 10. The heat exchanger ventilator 1 may have, for example, a protrusion 16 that protrudes from the inner wall surface 13 of the outer pipe 10 into the outer space 41, and the protrusion 16 may function as the partition 51. Furthermore, in the heat exchanger ventilator 1, for example, the outer pipe 10 may have a step 17 in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space 15 changes in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the step 17 may function as the partition 51. In the heat exchanger ventilator 1, the heat exchange element 20 may be supported in the internal space 15 by the protrusion 16 or the step 17.

[0148] The heat exchange ventilation device 1 may have, for example, a tapered section 18 in the outer pipe 10 in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space 15 gradually decreases toward the outdoor OS side in a first direction (X-axis direction), and the tapered section 18 may function as a partition section 51.

[0149] Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a heat exchange ventilator in one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 31, in the heat exchange ventilator 1, the partition 51 may be provided as a part of the housing 21 of the heat exchange element 20.

[0150] [Summary] The heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 1 of the present disclosure comprises: (i) an outer pipe having a first open section located on the indoor side, a second open section located on the outdoor side, and an internal space extending between the first open section and the second open section; (ii) a heat exchange element including a housing disposed within the internal space and having a first opening opening to the indoor side, a second opening opening to the outdoor side, and a side wall extending from the first opening toward the second opening, and a heat exchange section that exchanges heat with the airflow passing through the housing; (iii) an airflow generating section that generates an airflow in the internal space; and (iiiV) a space section located in the internal space near the side wall section.

[0151] The heat exchange ventilator according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the heat exchange ventilator according to the first aspect, further comprising a partition that prevents a second gas on the outdoor side from flowing into the space.

[0152] In a heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 3 of the present disclosure, in aspect 2, the outer pipe has an inner pipe wall surface that extends between the first open portion and the second open portion and defines the internal space, the space portion is located between the inner pipe wall surface and the side wall portion that forms the outer periphery of the housing, and the partition portion is located on the second open portion side of the space portion.

[0153] In a heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in aspect 2 or 3, the housing has a shape provided with a hollow portion having a third opening that is different from the first opening and opens to the indoor side, the space portion is located in the hollow portion, and the partition portion is located on the second open portion side of the space portion.

[0154] In aspect 5 of the present disclosure, the heat exchange ventilation device is configured in such a way that, in aspect 2 or 3, the housing has a shape provided with a groove portion having a third opening that is different from the first opening and opens to the indoor side, the space portion is located in the groove portion, and the partition portion is located on the second open portion side of the space portion.

[0155] A heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 6 of the present disclosure is, in any one of aspects 2 to 4, a second housing having a fifth opening opening to the indoor side, a sixth opening opening to the outdoor side, and a second side wall extending from the fifth opening toward the sixth opening, and a second heat exchange section that performs heat exchange with the airflow passing through the second housing, and further comprising a second heat exchange element arranged adjacent to the heat exchange element in the internal space, and having a gap section located between the side wall section of the heat exchange element and the second side wall section of the second heat exchange element, which are opposite to each other, the space section being located in the gap section, and the partition section being located on the second open section side of the space section.

[0156] A heat exchange ventilator according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the heat exchange ventilator according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the partition is provided as part of the housing.

[0157] The heat exchange ventilator according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 2 to 6, wherein the partition is configured to be openable and closable, and further includes an opening / closing control unit that controls the open / closed state of the partition.

[0158] The heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 9 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 2 to 6, wherein the partition is provided as part of the housing and is configured to be openable and closable, and further includes an opening / closing control unit that controls the open / closed state of the partition.

[0159] In the heat exchange ventilation device of aspect 10 of the present disclosure, in aspect 8 or 9, the opening / closing control unit controls the partition unit to be in an open state during a pre-operation period, which is a predetermined time after the airflow generating unit has started to be driven so as to generate an airflow from the indoor side to the outdoor side.

[0160] In a heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 11 of the present disclosure, in any one of aspects 8 to 10, the opening / closing control unit controls the partition unit to switch from a closed state to an open state at predetermined time intervals while the airflow generating unit is operating.

[0161] In the heat exchange ventilation device of aspect 12 of the present disclosure, in any one of aspects 8 to 11, the opening / closing control unit controls the output of the airflow generating unit so that the partition unit changes from a closed state to an open state due to the wind pressure of a first gas on the indoor side that reaches the partition unit through the space unit.

[0162] The heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 13 of the present disclosure is, in any one of aspects 3, and 7 to 12, further comprising a partition structure provided in the space that divides at least a portion of the space into a first space on the inner wall surface side of the pipe and a second space on the side wall side, so that a first gas on the indoor side flows through the first space and then toward the second space.

[0163] In the heat exchange ventilation device of aspect 14 of the present disclosure, in aspect 13, the partition structure has an air flow guide portion on the first open portion side that guides the air flow that has flowed through the second space toward the first opening of the heat exchange element.

[0164] The heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 15 of the present disclosure is, in any one of aspects 1 to 14, further provided with a heat storage section located in the space section, in contact with the side wall section and the first gas on the indoor side, and containing a latent heat storage material.

[0165] A heat exchange ventilator according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the heat storage device according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the phase transition temperature of the latent heat storage material in the heat storage section is 25 to 35°C.

[0166] The heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 17 of the present disclosure, in any one of aspects 3, 7 to 12, further includes a heat storage section located in the space and in contact with the side wall section and the first gas inside the room, and containing a latent heat storage material, wherein the heat storage section is in contact with the inner wall surface of the pipe and includes a protruding section that protrudes toward the first open section beyond the first opening of the heat exchange element, and the protruding section has an inclined surface that slopes toward the first opening.

[0167] A heat exchange ventilator according to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, wherein the airflow generating unit is a bidirectional blowing fan capable of switching the airflow direction.

[0168] A heat exchange ventilation device in aspect 19 of the present disclosure is any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein the airflow generating unit includes a first fan that blows a first gas on the indoor side and a second fan that blows a second gas on the outdoor side.

[0169] A heat exchange ventilator according to Aspect 20 of the present disclosure is any one of Aspects 1 to 19, wherein the heat exchange section includes a humidity-conditioning material including a humidity-conditioning component and a water-absorbing material.

[0170] A heat exchange ventilator according to a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure is the heat exchange ventilator according to the twenty-first aspect, wherein the humidity-controlling component includes at least one of a polyhydric alcohol and a metal salt.

[0171] A heat exchange ventilation device according to a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure is the heat exchange ventilation device according to the twenty-first aspect, wherein the metal salt includes a carboxylate.

[0172] [Notes] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

[0173] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1A, 1B, 1B Heat exchange ventilation device 10 Outer pipe 11 First open section 12 Second open section 13 Pipe inner wall surface 15 Internal space 20 Heat exchange element 21 Housing 22 Heat exchange section 30 Airflow generation section 40 Space section 41 Outer space section 42 Internal space section 211 First opening 212 Second opening 213 Side wall section A1 First ventilation A2 Second ventilation G1 First gas G2 Second gas EA Exhaust air SA Supply air RA Return air OA Outside air IS Indoors OS Outdoors

Claims

1. A heat exchange ventilation device comprising: an outer pipe having a first open section located on the indoor side, a second open section located on the outdoor side, and an internal space extending between the first open section and the second open section; a heat exchange element including a housing disposed within the internal space and having a first opening opening to the indoor side, a second opening opening to the outdoor side, and a side wall extending from the first opening toward the second opening, and a heat exchange section that exchanges heat with airflow passing through the housing; an airflow generating section that generates airflow in the internal space; and a space section located in the internal space near the side wall section.

2. The heat exchange ventilation device according to claim 1, further comprising a partition that prevents the second gas from the outdoor side from flowing into said space.

3. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in claim 2, wherein the outer pipe has an inner wall surface that extends between the first open portion and the second open portion and defines the internal space, the space portion is located between the inner wall surface of the pipe and the side wall portion that forms the outer periphery of the housing, and the partition portion is located on the second open portion side of the space portion.

4. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in claim 2, wherein the housing has a shape with a hollow portion having a third opening that is different from the first opening and opens to the indoor side, the space portion is located in the hollow portion, and the partition portion is located on the second open portion side of the space portion.

5. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in claim 2, wherein the housing has a shape provided with a groove portion having a third opening different from the first opening and opening toward the indoor side, the space portion is located in the groove portion, and the partition portion is located on the second open portion side of the space portion.

6. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in claim 2, comprising a second housing having a fifth opening opening to the indoor side, a sixth opening opening to the outdoor side, and a second side wall extending from the fifth opening toward the sixth opening, and a second heat exchange section that exchanges heat with airflow passing through the second housing, and further comprising a second heat exchange element arranged adjacent to the heat exchange element in the internal space, and having a gap section located between the side wall section of the heat exchange element and the second side wall section of the second heat exchange element, which are opposed to each other, the space section being located in the gap section, and the partition section being located on the second open section side of the space section.

7. A heat exchange ventilation device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the partition is provided as part of the housing.

8. A heat exchange ventilation device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the partition is configured to be openable and closable, and further comprising an opening / closing control unit that controls the open / closed state of the partition.

9. A heat exchange ventilation device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the partition is provided as part of the housing and is configured to be openable and closable, and further comprising an opening / closing control unit that controls the open / closed state of the partition.

10. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the opening / closing control unit controls the partition unit to be in an open state during a pre-operation period, which is a predetermined time after the airflow generating unit has started to be driven so as to generate an airflow from the indoor side to the outdoor side.

11. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the opening / closing control unit controls the partition unit to switch from a closed state to an open state at predetermined time intervals while the airflow generating unit is operating.

12. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the opening / closing control unit controls the output of the airflow generating unit so that the partition unit changes from a closed state to an open state due to the wind pressure of a first gas on the indoor side that reaches the partition unit through the space unit.

13. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in claim 3, further comprising a partition structure provided in the space that divides at least a portion of the space into a first space on the inner wall surface side of the pipe and a second space on the side wall side, and that allows a first gas on the indoor side to flow through the first space and then head toward the second space.

14. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in claim 13, wherein the partition structure has an air flow guide portion on the first open portion side that guides the air flow that has flowed through the second space toward the first opening of the heat exchange element.

15. A heat exchange ventilation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a heat storage section located in the space section, in contact with the side wall section and the first gas on the indoor side, and containing a latent heat storage material.

16. The heat exchange ventilation device according to claim 15, wherein the phase transition temperature of the latent heat storage material in the heat storage section is 25 to 35°C.

17. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in claim 3, further comprising a heat storage section located in the space and in contact with the side wall section and the first gas inside the room, and including a latent heat storage material, wherein the heat storage section is in contact with the inner wall surface of the pipe and includes a protruding section that protrudes toward the first open section beyond the first opening of the heat exchange element, and the protruding section has an inclined surface that slopes toward the first opening.

18. A heat exchange ventilation device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the airflow generating unit is a bidirectional blowing fan capable of switching the direction of airflow.

19. A heat exchange ventilation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the airflow generating unit includes a first fan that blows a first gas on the indoor side and a second fan that blows a second gas on the outdoor side.

20. A heat exchange ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the heat exchange section contains a humidity-regulating material containing a humidity-regulating component and a water-absorbing material.

21. The heat exchange ventilation device according to claim 20, wherein the humidity-regulating component includes at least one of a polyhydric alcohol and a metal salt.

22. The heat exchange ventilator of claim 21, wherein the metal salt comprises a carboxylate.

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